Favorite Panzerotti Spots in Milan: Where to Find the City’s Best Street Food

In Milan, panzerotti is a fried hand pie that’s very reminiscent of a miniature calzone. It’s so ubiquitous throughout the city, that no Milan food tour would be complete without sampling at least a few.

Yet there are also too many panzerotti spots in Milan to see them all. So, I thought I’d shine a tasty light on some of my favorites, to help you find a taste of the classics as well as some of the more innovative panzerotti in Milan.

What is Panzerotti? A Classic Italian Street Food

Panzerotti originally started out in the Puglia region of southern Italy where it was stuffed with various fillings such as mozzarella and tomato sauce. The crescent-shaped dough is then deep-fried or baked until golden brown and delicious. 

It was a good way for people to enjoy an inexpensive belly-filling meal. Hence the name “Panza” which is the Italian word for “belly,” referring to its plump, stuffed appearance.

In the 20th Century, the people of Puglia brought their beloved hand pie with them to Lombardy and Milan. In no time, they became one of the city’s most popular street foods.  

Must-Try Panzerotti Spots in Milan

There are too many great panzerotti spots in Milan to try them all in one lifetime. However, I think the following are the best shops to taste classic and creative panzerotti.

Panzerotti Luini

 

Photo credit: Panzerotti Luini

Panzerotti Luini is an iconic panzerotti spot beloved by locals and tourists. It’s a must-visit spot if you’re looking for an easy introduction to Milanese street food culture. It’s within walking distance of Duomo di Milano.

The ambiance at Panzerotti Luini is unpretentious and laid out for fast service. So, don’t be intimidated if there’s a long line when you first show up.  

Luini’s menu includes classic panzerotti fillings like mozzarella and tomato. Spinach with ricotta and ham and cheese are also popular.

I think the true gem on their menu is the apple and cinnamon panzerotti. It reminds me very much of an apple hand pie like you might find at a US bakery.

Panzerotti Luini (€3-€5) – Via Santa Radegonda, 16, 20121 Milano MI, Italy – Open Wednesday to Monday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Il Priscio

Photo credit: Il Priscio

Il Priscio offers a delightful take on the authentic flavors of Apulian panzerotti. It’s also near the Duomo di Milano and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Making it a great place for a quick meal on a walking tour.

The atmosphere at Il Priscio is cozy and with homestyle décor. The ambiance is perfect for an intimate meal or getting together with a group of friends.

The menu at Il Priscio focuses on both fried and baked panzerotti, showcasing traditional Apulian flavor combinations. Some of their more popular options include classics like tomato and mozzarella, as well as more adventurous options with cured meats, and seasonal vegetables.

One of the things I think stands out about Il Prisco’s panzerotti is the light, yet crispy shell that manages to maintain its toothsomeness in both their baked and fried versions.

Il Priscio (€3-€5) – Via Santa Tecla, 5, 20122 Milano MI, Italy – Open every day for lunch from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM with dinner from 7:00 to 11:00 PM.

Sciura Maria

Photo credit: Sciura Maria

Sciura Maria is loved by tourists and locals alike for their panzerotti’s authentic flavors of Apulian street food. Located near iconic Milanese attractions, such as the Castello Sforzesco and Parco Sempione, it’s an excellent spot to refuel while sightseeing.

The ambiance and décor inside Sciura Maria are reminiscent of Puglia, with a lot of vintage elements. It offers an island of homey calm in the sea of Milan’s frenetic energy.  

Sciura Maria’s panzerotti menu focuses on classic fillings like mozzarella and tomato. Yet they also offer some creative filling combinations such as spinach and ricotta, as well as spicy salami and provolone. They also have dessert panzerotti, which when filled with Nutella or sweet ricotta are a delightful treat.

Sciura Maria Panzerotti (€3-€5) – Viale Monza, 256, 20128 Milano MI, Italy – Open Monday to Saturday for lunch from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, with dinner from 6:30 to10:00 PM. 

Popular Panzerotti Fillings to Try

Tomato and mozzarella cheese is the most popular panzerotti filling you’ll find in Milan. It’s a classic that you should try at least once before exploring some of the city’s more creative options.  

Ricotta and spinach are another common panzerotti filling you find in Milan. It’s more common in the spring and fall when spinach is in season.

Spicy salami and provolone are another creative panzerotti filling that’s as rich as it is tangy. This is my go-to when I want to enjoy some bold flavors.

Apple and cinnamon is a popular sweet dessert panzerotti filling you find in Milan. It’s more common in the morning and early afternoon.

Nutella and fruit are another type of breakfast or dessert hand pie that’s popular in Milan. The fruit tends to change with the season.  

Tips for Enjoying Panzerotti in Milan

The best way to enjoy a comprehensive Milanese panzerotti experience starts with trying out the classic tomato and mozzarella filling. The fried version is more traditional, but baked is also good.  

Once you’ve got a taste of the classics, you can expand to try other filling options like spinach and ricotta or salami and regional cheese. Sweet or dessert panzerotti fillings like apple-cinnamon and Nutella with fruit can also be a great way to start a walking tour or as a snack at the end of the day.

Panzerotti is traditionally eaten sitting down or relaxing in an outdoor seating area. However, many places can wrap them up for you to take with you for a snack later in the day. It’s a great way to stave off hunger on a walking tour. Just be sure to find an appropriate place to eat them. It’s often seen as rude to simply much on a panzerotti in a shop or gallery.   

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/milan/

Luini. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.luini.it/

Il Priscio. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://www.instagram.com/ilpriscio/?hl=en

Sciura Maria. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://sciuramariapanzerotti.com/

Flawless Milano. (n.d.). Milan’s best panzerotti. Retrieved December 5, 2024, from https://flawless.life/en/italy/milan/milans-best-panzerotti